Florida State edge rusher Derrick McLendon II is no longer on the Seminoles roster and reportedly plans to enter the transfer.
McLendon decided to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports.
The redshirt junior started 12 games at the defensive end last season, totaling 37 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while forcing 3 quarterback hurries and recovering a fumble. He appeared in 38 games during his four seasons with FSU, registering 61 total tackles with 12.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Florida State coaches hoped to use the 6-foot-4, 254-pound McLendon as part of a rotation on the defensive edge along with Jared Verse, Patrick Payton and Gilber Edmond. Backups Byron Turner and Bishop Thomas were also expected to play more significant roles this season, perhaps cutting in the Georgia native’s playing time.
Players can’t officially enter the portal until April 15, with the spring window closing on April 30.
Coach Mike Norvell understood the delicate balance of creating a rotation and giving players a chance to prove their worth without losing them to the portal.
“It’s [transfer portal] a positive thing because it does provide opportunities for guys,” said Norvell. “I’m going, to be honest with them and there might be guys we sit there and have a conversation and say, ‘Look, this is where it’s at. This is what it’s going to look like.’ It does open a door for some guys to go and explore different situations.
“This is a special place. We’ve had a lot of guys choose to come to Florida State, to stay at Florida State, to return to Florida State because of how we do things, because of what their experience here is. They love being Seminoles, and they love the opportunity to grow and develop within what we’re doing within the program.”
Vitals: 6-4, 240 pounds
Resume: He totaled 61 total tackles with 12.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
Role: McLendon took part in 533 snaps this season and was second on the team in total pressures (29) with 24 hurries according to Pro Football Focus.
Outlook: Florida State has developed some decent depth on the defensive front but McLendon’s departure leaves the unit without an experienced piece. Payton’s emergence has the redshirt sophomore in the mix to bookend with Verse while the addition of Edmond provides another versatile pass rusher. Transfer Braden Fiske, who’s seen some time on the end, could also be in the mix for some playing time.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
